Joao Fonseca received the NextGen ATP Finals on Sunday evening in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, beating Learner Tien 2-4, 4-3(8), 4-0, 4-2 in a single hour and 27 minutes.
“I used to be actually nervous earlier than the match,” the Brazilian stated. “I knew it was going to be so tough. I performed a last in opposition to Learner in juniors (2023 U.S. Open) and I know how he can play. He’s such a pleasant man and an excellent participant, so I knew it was going to be tough–mentally and bodily. However I obtained my approach by way of.”
Fonseca made his approach by way of the match and not using a single loss. His 3-0 round-robin file contains wins over Arthur Fils and Jakub Mensik, previous a semifinal rout of Luca Van Assche. He turns into the third 18-year-old to triumph on the prestigious 20-and-under match, becoming a member of Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz.
Each Sinner and Alcaraz, in fact, have since climbed to No. 1 on this planet. Fonseca finally hopes to do the identical.
“It’s wonderful how I’ve improved bodily and mentally,” he stated. “I’ve been very robust mentally, profitable matches in opposition to High 50, High 20 gamers. I’m happy with myself, however in fact I would like extra. My dream is to turn into No. 1. After all, now after profitable (the) NextGen, I wish to get pleasure from it this week and loosen up and rejoice with my household. I wish to benefit from the second and I’m very happy and grateful for this 12 months.”
Different previous NextGen champions embody Stefanos Tsitsipas and Brandon Nakashima.
Ricky contributes to 10sballs.com and in addition maintains his personal tennis web site, The Grandstand. You’ll be able to comply with him on Twitter at @Dimonator.
